Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. How familiar were you with Japanese culture prior to reading this novel? Have you read other novels set in Japan (either contemporary or historical)? How did they compare? 

2. Why do you think the figure of a geisha is interesting to individuals from other cultural backgrounds? Do you find this figure interesting as well? Why or why not?

3. The novel focuses on a female protagonist and a deeply feminized subculture (the world of the geisha), yet it is written by a man. How do you feel about authors writing from the perspective of a protagonist with a gender different from their own? Do you think authors can bring new insights when depicting characters of a different gender?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Chiyo (Sayuri) is taken away from her childhood home when her widowed father concludes that he cannot take care of two daughters alone. Do you think that there are any circumstances under which giving up a child can be the best choice? 

2. Chiyo (Sayuri)’s haunting beauty largely shapes her fate.